Wildfires Fuel App Demand: GOES Health's Surge in Usage

The recent surge in wildfires across Los Angeles has not only devastated the region but also highlighted the critical role that technology plays in disaster management. One such technology, GOES Health, an app originally designed for remote travelers, has seen a significant increase in usage as residents and visitors alike seek real-time information and guidance during the crisis.

Since January 6, 2025, a day before the LA fires broke out, GOES Health has witnessed an 800% spike in usage in the affected area. Over the past two weeks, the number of new users in California has tripled, indicating a growing demand for reliable and up-to-date information during emergencies (GOES Health, 2025).

The app's developer, Viktor Makarskyy, found himself in a unique position when he had to use the technology he helped create to navigate the Sunset Fire, which threatened his home. Makarskyy praised the app's air quality monitoring feature, which provided hyperlocal, precise measurements, unlike other weather apps that showed broader, less accurate readings (Makarskyy, 2025).

GOES Health offers a range of features that have proven invaluable to users during the LA wildfire crisis. These include air quality monitoring, national alerts, wildfire preparedness guides, offline accessibility, and advice from wilderness medicine doctors. These features have contributed to the app's popularity and have helped users stay informed and safe during the ongoing disaster.



The GOES team has adapted the app to cater to urban disaster scenarios, expanding its features and content to address the unique challenges faced by people in urban environments during sudden disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and catastrophic fires. This adaptation has led to a significant increase in usage, with an 800% spike in the LA area and a tripling of new users in California over the past two weeks (GOES Health, 2025).

As wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles and other parts of the world, the demand for disaster management apps like GOES Health is expected to remain high. The app's ability to provide real-time information and guidance, along with its adaptability to various disaster scenarios, has positioned it as an essential tool for users seeking to stay safe and informed during emergencies.

In conclusion, the surge in wildfires has driven a significant increase in demand for disaster management apps like GOES Health. The app's features, such as air quality monitoring, national alerts, and wildfire preparedness guides, have proven invaluable to users navigating the LA wildfire crisis. As the GOES team continues to adapt the app to cater to urban disaster scenarios, its popularity and relevance are expected to grow, ensuring that users have access to the information they need to stay safe and healthy during emergencies.

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